Micro-thermal Analysis Research Articles

Co-pyrolysis of animal manure and plastic waste study using TG-FTIR analysis

In this paper, the co-pyrolysis of blends of animal manure (AM) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste was investigated using micro-thermal analysis techniques. Thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the process kinetics and potential synergistic effects during co-pyrolysis. Dynamic co-pyrolysis experiments of animal manure (AM) and polyethylene (PE) blends in proportions of (90:10 %) and (80:20 %) were conducted at heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 °C/min under an N2 atmosphere. The process was analyzed and compared to the results obtained in the pyrolysis of pure components. AM and PE co-pyrolysis exhibited a synergic effect on the pyrolysis process, leading to a favorable change in the CPI pyrolysis initiation index. This was observed in the FTIR, shifting maximum devolatilization peaks by 14 °C towards lower temperatures and a lower activation energy of the main pyrolysis stage, with a decrease from 341.49±4.65 kJ/mol to 273.04±6.93 kJ/mol after the addition of 20 wt% PE to the blend. During co-pyrolysis, the main compounds observed in the FTIR absorption spectra were CO2, CO, CH4, NH3, and aromatic hydrocarbons from AM pyrolysis. Additionally, there was an increase in CH4 and short-chain hydrocarbons due to the PE pyrolysis.

Investigation of Optimal Temperature for Thermal Catalytic Conversion of Marine Biomass for Recovery of Higher-Added-Value Energy Products

The eutrophication process, caused by the uncollected seaweed and macroalgae, is a relevant and ongoing ecological issue. In case this biomass is collected from the seashores, it could be used as a potential feedstock for recovery of higher-added-value energy products. This paper aims to investigate the seaweed perspective of uses as a potential feedstock in the slow-pyrolysis process, using microthermal analysis combined with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and experiments at the laboratory scale at different temperatures with two different types of zeolite catalysts. The primary investigation was performed using a micro-thermal analyser, and the results revealed that seaweed thermally decomposes in two stages, at 250 and 700 °C, while the catalyst slightly decreased the activation energy required for the process, lowering the temperatures of decomposition. Experiments on a laboratory scale showed that the most common compounds in the gaseous phase are CnHm, H2, CO, and CO2. Nevertheless, the most abundant liquid fraction derivatives are substituted phenolic compounds, pyridine, benzoic acid, naphthalene, d-glucopyranose, and d-allose. Furthermore, the catalyst decreased the amount of higher molecular mass compounds, converting them to toluene (71%), which makes this technology more attractive from the recovery of higher-added-value products point of view.

Evaluation of Different Thermoanalytical Methods for the Analysis of the Stability of Naproxen-Loaded Amorphous Solid Dispersions.

The aim of this research was to investigate three thermoanalytical techniques from the glass transition temperature (Tg) determination point of view. In addition, the examination of the correlation between the measured Tg values and the stability of the amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) was also an important part of the work. The results showed that a similar tendency of the Tg can be observed in the case of the applied methods. However, Tg values measured by thermally stimulated depolarization currents showed higher deviation from the theoretical calculations than the values measured by modulated differential scanning calorimetry, referring better to the drug-polymer interactions. Indeed, the investigations after the stress stability tests revealed that micro-thermal analysis can indicate the most sensitive changes in the Tg values, better indicating the instability of the samples. In addition to confirming that the active pharmaceutical ingredient content is a crucial factor in the stability of ASDs containing naproxen and poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate), it is worthwhile applying orthogonal techniques to better understand the behavior of ASDs. The development of stable ASDs can be facilitated via mapping the molecular mobilities with suitable thermoanalytical methods.

Catalytical thermal conversion of waste fishing nets for a higher added value energy products generation and caprolactam recovery

The ongoing eutrophication processes and water pollution caused by marine plastic waste are relevant ecological problem. Collected wastes are possible alternative feedstock for additional higher added value energy product generation. Moreover, caprolactamis the main compound of nylon-6 waste fishing nets and its recovery conserves natural resources, maximizes waste economic performance, and closes the circular economy loop of the fishing net industry. In order to contribute to the creation of circular economy, investigation of pyrolysis process and the effect of catalyst synergy with different temperatures on the formulated products has been performed. This work aims to analyse the used fishing nets (FN), using TGA-DTG-FTIR systems and mini pyrolysis plant. Experiments were conducted with Y-type zeolite and ZSM-5 as catalysts with a ratio of 1 by 3 and 1 by 8, respectively. Micro-thermal analysis using the TGA-DTG-FTIR system was processed for feedstock characterization purposes, which showed that the fishing gear has one minor decomposition peak around 200 °C, and the major one around 450 °C, with a total weight loss of 88 wt%. Pyro-oils analysis showed that the main fractions could be assigned to aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as naphthalene, styrene, and toluene. Moreover, the recovery of caprolactam shows a possibility to obtain not only energy products, but also higher added value chemical derivatives. Temperature and catalyst synergetic approach influence for the recovered products investigation showed the optimum conditions as 700 °C for the highest purity and quality products generation. Based on the results, catalytic thermal treatment at 700 °C with Y-Type could be adapted as a promising technique for extracting of caprolactam with a high yield (96 %).

Design and realization of high resolution optical micro-scanning thermal microscope imaging system

In order to meet the needs of subtle thermal analysis, We developed a thermal microscope imaging system based on uncooled focal plane detector in 2008. But for more sophisticated observations, the higher spatial resolution of thermal microscope imaging system is needed. Optical micro-scanning technology is one of the effective techniques to solve this problem. It can improve the systems spatial resolution based on existing imaging devices. Early we have developed an optical micro-scanning thermal microscope imaging system. But the system has a large micro-scanning error and requires high accuracy on the mechanical manufacturing and optical processing, which is not conducive to product. In order to reduce the micro-scanning error of developed optical micro-scanning thermal microscope imaging system and improve the spatial resolution of the system, a high precision micro-scanning component design method was proposed. The working principle of optical flat plate rotation micro-scanning is analyzed. The parameters and processing tolerances of micro-scanner are given. The integrated design and processing are realized with the existing uncooled thermal microscope imaging system. Results of standard oversample reconstruction for the real thermal microscope images have shown that the system is designed successfully and achieves higher resolution. It can be applied to high resolution micro-thermal analysis.

Enantiomeric Determination of Omeprazole and Esomeprazole by a Developed and Validated Chiral HPLC Method and Stability Studies by Microthermal Analysis

A rapid, accurate, precise, stability indicating and enantioselective chiral HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative (S)- and (R)- omeprazole in omeprazole formulations along with determination of enantiomeric purity of (S)- omeprazole in esomeprazole formulations according to the guidelines of the United States of Pharmacopeia (USP) and International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). The chromatographic separation was achieved with n-hexane/ 2-propanol/ acetic acid/ triethylamine (100 : 20 : 0.2 : 0.1, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.2 ml/min on Chiralcel OD-H and detected at 300 nm. The method showed good linearity, high sensitivity with detection limit (LOD) of 0.71 and 1.16 μg/ml and quantitation limit (LOQ) of 2.16 and 3.51 μg/ml for (S)- and (R)- omeprazole, respectively. The average percentage of recovery was found to be 100.85% to 101.36% for (S)- and 99.81% to 101.62% for (R)- omeprazole. The average percentage of relative standard deviation (% RSD) for intra- and inter- day precision were found to be 0.05% and 0.19% for (S)- and 0.03% and 0.13% for (R)- omeprazole, respectively. Stability study was performed under stress conditions. Microthermal analysis of omeprazole was also performed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the physical and chemical behavior of the drug. The method was successfully applied to the quantitation of (S)- and (R)- omeprazole for omeprazole and as well as determination of (S)- omeprazole purity for esomeprazole formulations.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 16(2): 221-233, 2017 (December)

Error correction based on micro-scanning preprocessing for an optical micro-scanning thermal microscope imaging system

In recent years, various thermal microscope imaging systems have been developed to meet the demands of micro-thermal analysis for large-scale integrated circuits, biomedical, science, and research fields. However, conventional thermal microscope imaging systems, which use cooled infrared detectors are heavy and expensive. In order to solve this problem, we developed a thermal microscope imaging system based on an uncooled infrared detector. However, the spatial resolution of the thermal microscope imaging system based on an uncooled infrared detector is low. With optical micro-scanning technology, the spatial resolution of the thermal microscope imaging system can be increased without increasing the detector dimension or reducing the detector unit size. In order to improve its spatial resolution, a micro-scanning system based on optical plate rotation was developed, and an optical microscanning thermal microscope imaging system was obtained after the integrated design. Due to environmental factors, mechanical vibration, alignment error and other factors, there is micro-scanning error in the designed micro-scanning thermal microscope imaging system. The four low-resolution images collected by micro-scanning thermal microscope imaging system are not standard down-sampled images. The quality of the image interpolated directly by four collected images is reduced and the performance of the micro-scanning system isn’t fully exploited. Therefore, based on the proposed second-order oversampling reconstruction micro-scanning error correction algorithm and the new edge directed interpolation algorithm, a new micro-scanning error correction technique is proposed. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed technique can effectively reduce optical micro-scanning error, improve the systems spatial resolution and optimize the effect of the imaging system. It can be applied to other electro-optical imaging systems to improve their spatial resolution.

Chip calorimetry for the sensitive identification of hexogen and pentrite from their decomposition inside copper oxide nanoparticles.

Smart detection systems for explosive sensors are designed both to detect explosives in the air at trace level and identify the threat for a specific response. Following this need we have succeeded in using microthermal analysis to sensitively identify and discriminate between RDX and PETN explosive vapors at trace level. Once the explosive vapor is trapped in a porous material, heating the material at a fast rate of 3000 K/s up to 350 °C will result in a thermal pattern specifically corresponding to the explosive and its interaction with the porous material. The explosive signatures obtained make it possible to simultaneously identify the presence and the nature of the explosive vapor in just a few milliseconds. Therefore, this also allows the development of multitarget devices using porous material for capturing the vapor combined with microthermal analysis for fast detection and identification. So far it is the first time that chip calorimetry has been used to characterize and identify explosives in vapor state.

Study of the moisture/stress effects on glass fibre/epoxy composite and the impact of the interphase area

This paper shows the influence of interphase areas in a UD glass fibre/epoxy composite on water diffusion process and mechanical properties thanks to experimental, analytical and numerical analysis. The interphase is first characterized in terms of molecular mobility by micro-thermal analysis and in terms of mechanical properties by force measurements with atomic force microscopy. The measurements show an increase in elastic modulus and in glass transition temperature around each fibre. Optical microscopy reveals an important heterogeneity of fibre distribution inside the matrix with many contacts between fibres. A realistic microstructure including the interphase size (defined by μTA) and fibre distribution has then been considered to model the composite accurately. Diffusion parameters resulting from water absorption measurements on both the resin and the composite were also used in the finite element analysis. The comparison between experimental data, analytical and finite element models shows that the water diffusion coefficient is about five times higher in the interphase area than in the matrix whereas the gradient in modulus around the fibres barely modify the composite mechanical response.

A MEMS-based microthermal analysis of explosive materials

An upgraded microcalorimeter comprising a MEMS-based thermal conductivity vacuum gauge with a ∼1.3mV/K thermopile sensor and a thin Si3Nx film heater was constructed. The improved features relative to a previous design are linear rise of the temperature with time and rapid heating of up to ∼500°C/s. The device was used for thermal analysis of micrometer-size particles of the explosives TNT, RDX and PETN by measuring temperature changes while heating the film heater. The TNT thermogram features a single exotherm that is well separated from the endotherm. The area and position of the melting and decomposition peaks in the RDX thermogram are proportional to the particle mass. The observed heats of melting agree with known thermodynamic data. The observed heat of deflagration is less than 1% of the calculated value, because a large fraction of the heated sample was sputtered from the heater and most of the heat was lost to the surrounding. Monitoring the air temperature above the heater with an ultrathin thermocouple yielded identifiable thermograms in accord with the surface thermograms. Such contactless sensing above the heater can detect the decomposition of micrometer-size particles and offers potential for the development of an inexpensive, simple to use field explosive detector.

Development of Photothermal FTIR Microspectroscopy as a Novel Means of Spatially Identifying Amorphous and Crystalline Salbutamol Sulfate on Composite Surfaces

Photothermal Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy (PTMS), involving the combination of FTIR spectroscopy with atomic force microscopy, has been used to examine compacts of amorphous and crystalline salbutamol sulfate in order to assess the ability of the technique to distinguish between different physical forms in a multicomponent material. Samples of amorphous and crystalline material were assessed using modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), atomic force microscopy, microthermal analysis, and conventional FTIR. Mixed compacts were then prepared such that verification of the location of the forms present was possible via topography and localized thermal analysis. PTMS studies were then performed on selected interrogation points, with spectra obtained which were largely intermediate between those corresponding to the two individual forms. Calculation of the thermal diffusivity indicated a resolution for the technique corresponding to a hemisphere of a major diameter in the region of 40 μm, which is large in relation to the particle sizes involved. However, distinction into amorphous, crystalline, and indeterminate categories was possible using chemometric analysis (hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis). Good agreement was found between the identification methods for the mixed systems. The study has therefore shown the potential, as well as identifying the limitations, of using PTMS as a means of spatially identifying components in complex materials.

Modified water diffusion kinetics in an unidirectional glass/fibre composite due to the interphase area: Experimental, analytical and numerical approach

This paper deals with the study of water diffusion in unidirectional composite associating experimental data, analytical and numerical models. A fibre/matrix interphase with a gradient of molecular mobility is characterized by microthermal analysis. The fibre dispersion observed by optical microscopy shows an important heterogeneity and many contacts between fibres. This particular fibre distribution as well as the interphase thickness have been considered to model our composite microstructure accurately. Diffusion kinetic parameters from water absorption measurements on both the resin and the UD composite were then used in the finite element analysis of the composite. The comparison between experimental data, analytical and numerical models show the influence of fibre distribution and interphase properties on water diffusion kinetic. An average water diffusion coefficient is then identified for the interphase.

Experimental, analytical and numerical study of water diffusion in unidirectional composite materials – Interphase impact

This study is a first approach of water diffusion in unidirectional (UD) composite, associating experimental measurements, analytical and numerical modelling. In the initial state, an interphase of several micrometers width around each monofilament is revealed from micro-thermal analysis measurements. This interphase is characterized by a higher molecular mobility than the bulk resin, which is a determining parameter for water diffusion. Water absorption measurements on both the resin and the UD composite show a Fickian kinetic in first approximation. A finite element analysis of water diffusion in the composite clearly shows the influence of the interphase properties on water diffusion kinetic.

Memori Project: Evaluation of Damage to Exposed Organic-Based Heritage Materials and Nanoforart: Evaluation of Nanoparticle-Based Conservation Treatment

This paper presents preliminary studies and work in progress in the framework of two FP7 projects: MEMORI (Measurement, Effect Assessment and Mitigation of Pollutant Impact on Movable Cultural Assets – Innovative Research for Market Transfer) and NANOFORART (Nano-materials for the conservation and preservation of movable and immovable artworks). One of the aims of the MEMORI project is the determination of threshold levels of damage to exposed organic-based heritage objects as little is known about the impact of organic compounds, especially volatile organic acids, on organic-based cultural objects. In the previous PROPAINT project (Protection of Paintings during Exhibition, Storage Transit) it was recently demonstrated that levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were often much higher in the micro-climate frames used to protect paintings than recommended levels. In this paper, examples will be given of changes observed in varnished strips exposed at selected sites. Studies on the effect on collagen-based materials will also be presented. Techniques used in both projects include Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), micro-thermal analysis (-TA), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The NANOFORART project explores the effects of using nanoparticle-based conservation treatment on cellulosic and collagen-based cultural materials. It builds on previous work performed on deacidification of canvas paintings using conventional materials. For collagen-based materials, no previous conservation treatment using nanoparticles has been performed on historical parchment or leather objects. Preliminary work is directed at understanding the type of nanoparticles to use to improve the physicochemical state of collagen-based objects.

Thermal Denaturation Studies of Collagen by Microthermal Analysis and Atomic Force Microscopy

The structural properties of collagen have been the subject of numerous studies over past decades, but with the arrival of new technologies, such as the atomic force microscope and related techniques, a new era of research has emerged. Using microthermal analysis, it is now possible to image samples as well as performing localized thermal measurements without damaging or destroying the sample itself. This technique was successfully applied to characterize the thermal response between native collagen fibrils and their denatured form, gelatin. Thermal transitions identified at (150 ± 10)°C and (220 ± 10)°C can be related to the process of gelatinization of the collagen fibrils, whereas at higher temperatures, both the gelatin and collagen samples underwent two-stage transitions with a common initial degradation temperature at (300 ± 10)°C and a secondary degradation temperature of (340 ± 10)°C for the collagen and of (420 ± 10)°C for the gelatin, respectively. The broadening and shift in the secondary degradation temperature was linked to the spread of thermal degradation within the gelatin and collagen fibrils matrix further away from the point of contact between probe and sample. Finally, similar measurements were performed inside a bone resorption lacuna, suggesting that microthermal analysis is a viable technique for investigating the thermomechanical response of collagen for in situ samples that would be, otherwise, too challenging or not possible using bulk techniques.

Comparison of the optical, thermal and structural properties of Ge–Sb–S thin films deposited using thermal evaporation and pulsed laser deposition techniques

Thin films of Ge 23Sb 7S 70 glass were prepared by thermal evaporation (TE) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) techniques. We measured their thermal, optical and structural properties and compared with those of the parent bulk. The probe penetration temperature ( T p) of the bulk glass, measured using a micro-thermal analyzer, was found to be 412 ± 10 °C, while those of the TE and PLD films were 468 and 470 ± 10 °C, respectively. The refractive index of the bulk and thin films was measured by ellipsometry and ultraviolet–visible–near infrared transmission spectroscopy, and we show that the films have similar refractive indices, which are lower than those of the parent bulk glass. Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, the structure of the film was investigated. The films contain homopolar Ge–Ge bonds and a lower number of homopolar S–S bonds compared to bulk material, which leads to an increase in the proportion of corner shared GeS 4/2 units in the films as compared to the bulk glass. Comparison of structural entities associated with each deposition process showed that the TE film possesses a lower number of S–S bonds and a slightly higher number of SbS 3/2 units compared to the PLD film. These structural changes lead to a more interconnected glass network, and therefore to a higher viscosity at elevated temperatures, as well as a higher refractive index, presumably through increased density. Post-deposition of annealing of these films causes their thermal and optical properties to revert to a more bulk-like state, suggesting that these property differences are due to a difference in the thermal histories of the bulk and film glass networks. For the first time to our knowledge, the refractive index of the bulk glass in the 0.6–10.6 μm range, measured using the prism coupling technique, is also presented.

Nanostructuration in Thin Epoxy−Amine Films Inducing Controlled Specific Phase Etherification: Effect on the Glass Transition Temperatures

Inordertopreparecuredthin filmsthicknessesin the range of 90 300 nm, epoxy amine mixtures of di fferent concentrations in toluene are spin-cast onto oxidized silicon substrates. The glass transition temperature of the cured thin films is measured by microthermal analysis, revealing the existence of two distinct glass transitions temperatures for all the samples due to amine segregation at air/ film interface. These transitions are ascribed to two layers. The upper layer properties of the film due to the air/polymer interface are independent of the film thickness. This layer is around 30 nm thick, and its glass transition temperature is about 97 C and matches to a constant amine/epoxy composition at the air/ film interphase.Consecutively,the filmthicknessreductioninducesanincreaseoftheepoxyexcessinthesublayer,promotingsideepoxy reactions revealed by aliphatic ether bonds formation. Thus, signi ficant increase of the sublayer Tg, in comparison to the Tg of the bulk sample with an equivalent amine/epoxy ratio at the same amine conversion rate, is mainly due to these new ethers bonds for film thickness less than 160 nm. These bonds, surface catalyzed, are created at low temperature by the consumption of the epoxy excess. Etheri fication enhancement is finely controlled by the amine epoxy o ffstoichiometry in the sublayer tuned by its thickness and mainly results in glass transition temperature increase at lightly amine conversion. At complete epoxy and high amine conversion reached by postcuring, etheri fication in the sublayer leads to a constant amount whatever the thickness of the sample. The glass transition temperature of the sublayer postcured is around 180 C, equivalent to the bulk sample and does not bring out con finement e ffects.

Introduction to the preservation of cultural heritage

This special chapter focuses on the contribution of thermal analysis to the preservation of cultural heritage and its continuing vital role. Case studies outlining the use of these techniques have been reported in chapters in ‘‘Modern Analytical Methods in Art and Archaeology’’ [1] and in the ‘‘Handbook of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry’’, respectively [2]. In both, reports of collaborative projects with major museums, art galleries, and conservation centres were described, and included the application of the full range of thermoanalytical techniques, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), dielectric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and micro-thermal analysis (l-TA). The last decade has seen a steady increase in the contribution of advanced analytical techniques, including thermal analysis, as concern for the preservation of cultural heritage and its sustainability increases, in the face of effects of climate change and the potential threat it poses to the sustainability of Europe’s cultural heritage. In view of this, one of the main issues is assessment of levels of risk to the built environment and to the valuable collections of heritage objects in museums, art galleries, and libraries. This requires knowledge of the quality of the existing outdoor environment and for objects, the indoor environments in which they are displayed or stored. The level of corrosivity will be influenced by the ingress of pollutants from the external environment and any contributions from indoor sources. It is also necessary to have an understanding of how damage to cultural heritage occurs, and how these processes can be retarded to ensure that the objects are protected. Thermal analysis offers methods for problem solving in this area and evidence of this is in a recent article [3] and then the current collection of articles in this chapter which reflect areas of investigation performed in both outdoor and indoor environments, and include characterization of materials used in historic buildings, artefacts in outdoor cultural heritage, ceramics, wood used in cultural heritage, historical parchment in archival collections, and paint media analysis. In the introduction to this chapter examples of the application of thermal analysis to preventive conservation and risk assessment will be given. This will be followed by some examples of the use of thermal analysis for damage assessment of objects and evaluation of environmental effects and conservation treatment. Techniques such as controlled environment DMA and nanoscale techniques of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and l-TA have been used. The quality of environments and the effect of environmental factors such as light, relative humidity, and pollutants on objects both in outdoor and indoor environments M. Odlyha (&) Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet St., London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom e-mail: m.odlyha@bbk.ac.uk

Finite Element Analysis of the Material’s Area Affected during a Micro Thermal Analysis Applied to Homogeneous Materials

Micro-thermal analysis (µ-TA), with a miniaturized thermo-resistive probe, allows topographic and thermal imaging of surfaces to be carried out and permits localized thermal analysis of materials. In order to estimate the effective volume of material thermally affected during this localized measurement, simulations, using finite element method were used. Several parameters and conditions were considered. So, thermal conductivity was found to be the driving physical parameter in thermal exchanges. Indeed, the evolution of the heat affected zone (HAZ) versus thermal conductivity can well be described by a linear interpolation. Therefore it is possible to estimate the HAZ before experimental measurements. This result is an important progress especially for accurate interphase characterization in heterogeneous materials.

Spatially controlled dissolution of Ag nanoparticles in irradiated SiO 2 sol–gel film

In this paper, we report the spatially controlled dissolution of silver nanoparticles in irradiated SiO 2 sol–gel films. The Ag nanoparticles have been formed in the sol–gel solution before the film deposition by adding Triton and ascorbic acid and also after the film deposition using a heat treatment at 700 °C for few minutes or at 550 °C for 6 h in reducing atmosphere. Using a spectrometer, a new view white light interferometer and a micro-thermal analyzer, we demonstrate that the silver nanoparticles can be dissolved using a continuous black ray UV lamp or with a near-infrared (NIR) femtosecond laser, due to a significantly increase in the local temperature. We confirm that the micro-thermal analyzer can be used as a new tool to study the dissolution of metallic nanoparticles in thin film if located at the surface of the films.